events

Yerevan, Armenia APRI New York Meeting, themed “Armenia’s New Balance: Russia, the West and the Future of the South Caucasus” took place on October 11, 2024 in New York City. The forum included distinguished experts in regional and global affairs, including leading voices engaged in shaping Armenia’s policy future. The three-hour conference covered Armenia’s new foreign policy balance between Russia and the West, the potential impact of the US presidential election on global stability, Armenia’s ongoing security and defense reforms, and the quest for peace and stability in the South Caucasus. In addition to serving as a vital platform for discussing Armenia’s foreign policy and peacebuilding in the South Caucasus, the event took place alongside the 93rd General Assembly of the Armenian General Benevolent Union. The assembled audience of community leaders, philanthropists, and young civic activists will present a unique opportunity to engage with some of the most constructive voices in the Armenian diaspora. Quotes that inspired us: “Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past—let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” John F. Kennedy   “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt   “It is simply in the nature of Armenian to study, to learn, to question, to speculate, to discover, to invent, to revise, to restore, to preserve, to make, and to give.” William Saroyan  Forum Agenda October 11 13:00 Lunch and Registration 14:00 Musical Guest 14:10 Words of Welcome Lara Setrakjian, President, APRI Armenia 14:20 The US Election and Strategic Interests in the South Caucasus In the opening session of the APRI New York Meeting, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center Ambassador John Herbst discusses the upcoming US elections and how they could impact US foreign policyin the South Caucasus. Ambassador John Herbst, Senior Director, Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center Moderator: Nvard Chalikyan, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 14:45 Armenia’s Foreign Policy Pivot in a Multipolar World Armenia is undergoing a significant transformation in its foreign policy, engaging both new country partners and traditional allies to build up its resilience in military, political, and economic domains. The panel willassess the current state of Armenia’s foreign policy diversification, the potential for a new diplomatic architecture, and the impact of ongoing geopolitical events on the South Caucasus. Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, Observer Research Foundation America Anatol Lieven, Director, Eurasia Program, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Garo Paylan, Visiting Scholar, Europe Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Michael Rubin, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 15:35 Musical Guest 15:45 Armenia’s Security in the Quest for Regional Peace In a turbulent and unstable region, Armenia is advancing its security and defense capabilities to protect its territorial integrity. But there remain many challenges and open questions. Where does Armenia’s securitybalance stand today? How can foreign partners engage with Armenia to build up its deterrent and defensive capacities, diminishing the risk of future conflict? Colonel (Retired) Robert Hamilton, Head of Eurasia Research, Foreign Policy Research Institute Nerses Kopalyan, Associate Professor-in-Residence of Political Science, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Leonid Nersisyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Margarita Tadevosyan, Executive Director, Center for Peacemakingtion, George Mason University Practice, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 16:35 Armenia’s Conservative Outreach: On Foreign Policy and Religious Freedom Armenia’s recent diplomatic and military challenges dovetail with the threat to religious freedom worldwide. This discussion will evaluate how Armenia can position itself as a cornerstone of the international religiousfreedom agenda to craft a more effective foreign policy. Ambassador Sam Brownback, Co-Chair, International Religious Freedom Summit, Former US Senator from the State of Kansas, Former US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia Speakers Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo < Page1 Page2 Page3 Page4 Page5 > APRI Armenia Rules APRI Armenia is committed to creating an inclusive environment forvdialogue in an atmosphere of mutual respect. It is our duty and obligation to maintain an exchange of ideas that is free from harassment, discrimination, and threatening or disrespectful behavior. We expect all speakers and participants to abide by these guidelines. APRI Armenia reserves the right to refuse admittance to or remove any person from its events at any time. This includes, but is not limited to, attendees behaving in a disorderly manner or failing to comply with our community guidelines. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. We hope you will enjoy the company of the distinctive speakers, facilitators, and participants who attend our events. We convene in the spirit of mutual understanding and with an appreciation of what each individual brings to the whole conversation. Artists in Residence Artists in Residence Ara Dinkjian is an Armenian born in the United States in 1958. His earliest professional musical experience was accompanying his father Onnik Dinkjian, a renowned Armenian folk and liturgical singer.Ara learned several Western and Eastern instruments (piano, guitar, dumbeg, clarinet) and in 1980 graduated from the Hartt College of Music, earning the country’s first and only special degree in the instrument for which he has become most well-known, the oud.For more than 40 years, he served as organist in the Armenian Apostolic Church. Throughout his musical life, Ara has continued to develop his highly personal compositional style, which blends his Eastern and Western roots. In 1985, to help realize these compositions and musical concepts, Ara formed his instrumental quartet, Night Ark, which recorded four CDs for RCA/BMG and Universal/PolyGram. Ara’s compositions have had a

Yerevan, Armenia The APRI Forum: Security, Stability and Sustainable Prosperity was an invitation-only forum held in Yerevan from June 15–17, 2022. As the inaugural event of the Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia (APRI Armenia), the forum brought together insightful thinkers from around the world for a series of vitally important discussions, with topics ranging from geopolitics and security to crisis leadership and national development. https://vimeo.com/814903199   Quotes that inspired us: We don’t have the luxury of running away. Of hiding. Because we have something very specific we’re trying to do. We have an obstacle we have to lean into and transform.   No one is coming to save you.  If we’d like to go where we claim we want to go – to accomplish what we claim are our goals – there is only one way. And that’s to meet our problems with the right action.   Therefore, we can always (and only) greet our obstacles  with energy with persistence with a coherent and deliberate process with iteration and resilience with pragmatism with strategic vision with craftiness and savvy and an eye for opportunity and pivotal moments.   When people ask where we are, what we’re doing, how the “situation” is coming along, the answer should be clear: We’re working on it. We’re getting closer.  When setbacks come, we respond by working twice as hard.     Ryan Holiday The Obstacle is the Way Forum Agenda June 15 June 16 June 17 11:30 Registration and Lunch 13:30 Opening and Welcome Sessions 14:30 Opening Keynote Martin Galstyan, Governor of the Central Bank of Armenia Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 15:30 Working Together in the Age of Divisionr In a highly polarized political atmosphere, how can different groups work together to tackle national challenges and find constructive solutions for a country’s development? How can people with different viewpoints and opinions build bridges of collaboration? In recent years, growing political polarization has been a key issue for countries around the world. This session will explore how to overcome those dynamics to build a more harmonious future. Arman Tatoyan, American University of Armenia Moderator: Yervant Zorian, Synopsys 16:30 Global Keynote: Skills for a 21st-Century Government In today’s rapidly changing and increasingly complex world, governments must adopt new forms of leadership in order to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. This keynote session will address the “what” and the “how” of effective government, based on lessons learned from dozens of countries. Lisa Witter will share top insights from Apolitical, a platform she co-founded, where civil servants around the world share best practices forbetter public administration. Lisa Witter, Apolitical Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, BlackRock Moderator: Eric Hacopian, CivilNet 17:00 Peace/Negotiations: What Lies Beyond? Even in the best of times, peace negotiations are a difficult process with complex dynamics that require deep trust and sensitivity, as well as a range of creative breakthrough ideas. This session will place regional peace negotiations in a wider historical context, exploring how other countries have navigated the road to peace and what can be learned from those cases. P. Terrence Hopmann, Johns Hopkins SAIS Arthur Martirosyan, The Bridgeway Group Olesya Vartanyan, International Crisis Group Nerses Kopalyan, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Moderator: Maria Titizian, EVN Report 18:00 Global Keynote: Decision Making in Times of Crisis Much research has been carried out into the art and science of decision-making, using clear data and often complex mathematical models to make policy choices. How does that process change during a period of crisis? Through the eyes of a world-class professor of decision sciences, we will explore the questions we all must face for clear decision-making in uncertain times. Ioana Popescu, INSEAD Moderator: Lara Setrakian, Presidnet, APRI Armenia Moderator: Yervant Zorian, Synopsys 18:30 Closing Words 19:00 APRI Armenia Launch Reception at Point of View 9:00 Registration and Breakfast 10:00 Fireside Chat: Public Sector Innovation/Policy Entrepreneurship Innovation is one of the keys to remaining competitive and successful in today’s world. Generating and implementing new ideas – or revolutionizing fields altogether – is an everlasting quest for policymakers and social entrepreneurs. This fireside chat will explore examples of policy innovation in Armenia – both successes and shortcomings – and how to pave the way forward for sustained progress. Sara Anjargolian, Impact Hub Moderator: Lusine Manukyan, APRI Armenia 10:30 Global Keynote: (Re)thinking Economic Development Sustainable economic development is the key to realizing a country’s full productive potential and enhancing the lives of its citizens. There is still significant debate and research on how best to pursue economic growth in a way that benefits all members of society. This keynote session will take a close look at economic development models and what Armenia’s policymakers can do to advance national prosperity for all. Reuben Abraham, Artha Global Moderator: Erik Khzmalyan, Enterprise Armenia 11:00 Leading Armenia in Times of Crisis Times of crisis require distinct forms of leadership that provide communities with a clear sense of purpose and direction, while mobilizing efforts to overcome the challenges at hand. Many societies have pulled forward from crisis through the extraordinary leadership of people at all levels, from heads of state to business leaders and grassroots organizers.This session will explore the qualities and values of leadership that can support recovery,resilience and renewal in difficult times. David Akopyan, reArmenia Vache Gabrielyan, Dean, Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics, American University of Armenia Moderator: Maria Titizian, EVN Report 13:15 The Briefing: Cybersecurity and Critical Risks Today, countries and communities face ever-evolving cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. Addressing these entails the effective bridging of cybersecurity policies, information technologies and human behaviors. This briefing session will present ideas on how to address these vulnerabilities, enabling Armenia to increase security and mitigate critical risks. Artur Papyan, CyberHub Anahit Parzyan, Nork Center Moderator: Nerses Ohanyan, HyeTech 13:45 The Briefing: Jobs, Labor and Sustainable Livelihoods Sustainable economic development requires not only reducing poverty and inequality but also doing so in a way that generates meaningful jobs for all those seeking employment. This briefing will examine specific actions that Armenia’s government and other

Yerevan, Armenia The 2023 APRI Forum, the annual gathering of the Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia, brought together policymakers, academics, leading civil society voices and international experts under the theme “Making Progress in Times of Uncertainty.” The conference looked at ways to overcome the ongoing crisis, as well as pathways for enhancing the stability and sustainable development for Armenia. The program featured expert-led discussions on a range of themes and in-depth keynote sessions with high-level officials. Quotes that inspired us: “You can see the future but you can’t live in it. You live in the transition.” Taufiq Rahim  “Action is the antidote to despair.” Joan Baez Forum Agenda October 25 October 26 October 27 8:30 Registration 9:00 Words of Welcome & Open Discussion Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 9:45 Strengthening Human Rights as a Pillar of Regional Stability The protection of human rights seems increasingly difficult in a region still recovering from past abuses. With both practical experience and deep analytical insights, Anahit Manasyan, Human Rights Defender of Armenia, examines the structural approach to countering human-rights violations and preventing new ones from occurring. This includes the integration of civil society and regional partners in a framework for improving the human rights record of the region. Anahit Manasyan, Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Republic of Armenia Moderator: Anoush Baghdassarian, Founder and President, Rerooted 10:15 Q&A: Understanding the ICC   In a brief interactive discussion, international law expert Anoush Baghdassarian addresses  the legal implications of Armenia’s decision to join the International Criminal Court. Anoush Baghdassarian, Founder and President, Rerooted Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 10:30 Finding Stability in a Multipolar World Beyond Armenia’s immediate region, many countries are dealing with the stability risks that come with geopolitical realignment in a multipolar world. Sunjoy Joshi, Chairman of the Observer Research Foundation, shares his reflections on how to find stability in the storm. Sunjoy Joshi, Chairman, Observer Research Foundation Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 11:00 Coffee Break 11:15 Making Diplomacy Work in the South Caucasus Starting with an address by Toivo Klaar, the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus, we discuss the prospects for diplomatic success in what has been a bumpy road for negotiations. From multiple angles, our panelists examine the risks to a lasting peace deal and how to potentially overcome them. Toivo Klaar, Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia,European Union Tatevik Hayrapetyan, Expert in Azerbaijani Studies Olesya Vartanyan, Senior Analyst in the South Caucasus, International Crisis Group Moderator: Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 12:30 Networking Lunch & Musical Guests 13:30 Cybersecurity for Small States The cyber arena has become increasingly important for both geopolitics and nationaldevelopment. Gevorg Mantashyan, First Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry, sharesArmenia’s concrete plans for cybersecurity development in an innovative publicconsultation. Gevorg Mantashyan, First Deputy Minister, Ministry of High Tech Industry, Republic of Armenia Moderator: Yervant Zorian, Chief Architect, Synopsys 14:00 Redesigning Humanitarian Response for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh Foregrounding the voices of people immediately impacted by the crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, our panel looks at evidence-based, practical strategies for ensuring an effective humanitarian response. Informed by their active work in the field, experts will make specific recommendations to best serve the people facing critical needs. Artak Beglaryan, Independent Expert Marina Malkhasyan, CEO & Co-Founder, Effective Government Foundation Marina Mkhitaryan, Executive Director, AGBU Armenia Moderator: Kim Hekimian, Senior Fellow, APRI Armenia 15:30 Coffee Break 15:45 Enhancing Public Health and Crisis Response With a remit that includes strengthening Armenian health systems as well as the care of newly arrived refugees, Anahit Avanesyan, Minister of Health, will address what is being done for the development and well-being of people in Armenia. Anahit Avanesyan, Minister, Ministry of Health, Republic of Armenia Moderator: Kim Hekimian, Senior Fellow, APRI Armenia 16:15 Nagorno-Karabakh: The Aftermath and the Path Forward With reflections from the long, difficult journey of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh overthe past three years, one of the region’s most vivid and vocal journalists shares herreflections on where we go from here. Siranush Sargsyan, Freelance Journalist Moderator: Greta Avetisyan, National Communications Lead, APRI Armenia 16:45 How to Keep Going: Lessons from Garo Armen Longtime philanthropist Garo Armen, founder of the Children of Armenia Fund, shares his vision for how to keep investing in the future and find an inner strength in difficult moments. Garo Armen, Founder and Chairman, Children of Armenia Fund Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 17:15 Closing Words & Open Discussion 8:30 Registration 9:00 Words of Welcome & Open Discussion Gevorg Tamamyan, Head, Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Armenia Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 9:30 Connectivity Corridors in the South Caucasus What could new roads, railways, and other connectivity projects mean for the region? Onwhat terms and with what aims will they be developed? What would this new form ofinterstate cooperation mean for peace and stability? Our panel of experts will analyzethe various factors shaping regional connectivity in the coming years. Christine Arakelian, Chief Executive Officer, Theraxios Arthur Khachikian, Lecturer, Russian-Armenian University Sergei Melkonian, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Moderator: Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 10:00 Advancing the Concept of National Transformation Two public servants working on Armenia’s National Transformation Strategy and publicadministration reform conduct an in-depth conversation on how to improve government at a fundamental level. This session will take both a conceptual and practical approach to discussing targeted changes to Armenia’s public sector. Hakob Abrahamyan, Assistant to the Prime Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Republic of ArmeniaViktorya Aydinyan, Advisor, Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Republic of Armenia Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 10:30 (Re)thinking Statehood Two esteemed professors from the American University of Armenia share their collective thinking on statehood, citizenship, civic development, and the future of Armenia. Stephan Astourian, Director, Turpanjian Center for Policy Analysis, American University of ArmeniaVache Gabrielyan, Dean, Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics, American University of Armenia Moderator: Nvard Chalikyan, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 11:00 Coffee Break 11:15 (Re)thinking Foreign Policy: The EU’s Role in the South Caucasus With the European Union playing an active role in peacebuilding for the South Caucasus, how

Yerevan, Armenia The 2025 APRI Forum, with the theme “Finding Stability in an Unstable World,” took place June 11–13 in Yerevan. It offered in-depth and thought-provoking conversations on the global uncertainties shaping Armenia and the South Caucasus. With ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the political metamorphosis under the Trump administration, and persistent instability, the Forum provided a place to think through and discuss these challenges and how to navigate them. The three-day conference brought together policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, civil society representatives, and engaged Armenians to address a range of critical issues—from fostering technology and investments and advancing energy security to navigating shifting geopolitics and strengthening civic engagement. Thought leaders from various fields debated over actionable recommendations to confront Armenia’s challenges in an increasingly volatile world.  https://vimeo.com/1121812338 Quotes that inspired us: “As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” Rumi   “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” Harriet Tubman   “I’m a pessimist because of intelligence, but an optimist because of will.” Antonio Gramsci, Letter from Prison, December 1929  Forum Agenda June 11 June 12 June 13 9:25 Welcome and Opening Remarks Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 9:30 Stability through Technology and Innovative Partnerships  In this opening session of the 2025 APRI Forum, Hakob Arshakyan, Vice President of the National Assembly, shares Armenia’s vision for finding stability in an unstable world through enhanced focus on technology and innovative partnerships. Hakob Arshakyan, Vice President, National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Moderator: Arda Haratunian, Board Member, APRI Armenia, AGBU, AUA and Adjunct Professor, Queens College 10:00 APRI Armenia’s Foreign Policy Report: Diversification in the Post-Unipolar World APRI Armenia’s foreign policy report traces Armenian foreign policy developments since the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War and examines the challenges in diversifying and deepening diplomatic, economic, and security relationships in the last four years. With the launch of this report, APRI Armenia provides an analysis of Armenia’s foreign policy diversification and offers recommendations on how the next phase can address ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 10:15 Decoding the Global (Dis)Order From wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other regions to a shattered global trade system, uncertainty is worsening. This session will focus on growing instability in the global order and how different and sometimes competing powers are responding to these changes. Iskander Akylbayev, Chief Executive Officer, Xander Group Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation Evgeniya Goryushina, Researcher at the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies (CCEIS), HSE / Head of the Caucasus Studies Sector (ICCA RAS) Stefan Meister, Head of the Center for Order and Governance in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, German Council on Foreign Relations, DGAP Moderator: Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 11:00 Coffee Break 11:30 Armenia–Azerbaijan Negotiations: Prospects for Progress Peace remains Yerevan’s top priority after the turbulence of recent years but the outstretched hand has often been met with a closed fist. Few signs suggest progress will be made toward a peace agreement with Azerbaijan this year—even as Armenia builds on its policy of constructive engagement while boosting deterrence. In conversation with Armenian experts, Rusif Huseynov, from the Topchubashov Center, presents the view from Azerbaijan on prospects for negotiations and regional peace. How will Baku respond and does it see any reason to make peace? Is no peace/no war the best the region can expect in the short- to mid-term perspective? Tatevik Hayrapetyan, PhD in History, Expert in Azerbaijani Studies Rusif Huseynov, Co-Founder and Director, Topchubashov Center (Zoom) Moderator: Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 12:15 Armenia–Turkey Normalization and the Quest for Regional Stability Despite high-level announcements, the Armenia–Turkey normalization process is at a standstill. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan links normalization with Ankara to the signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, leading to a seeming deadend. What is behind this and are there any prospects for change? How might a less Azerbaijan-focused Turkish foreign policy impact the region? Can external actors, including Europe, Russia, the United States, and Iran, provide effective support for Armenia–Turkey normalization? Mitat Çelikpala, Vice-Rector, Kadir Has University (Zoom) Varuzhan Geghamyan, Associate Professor, Chair of Turkic Studies, Yerevan State University Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 13:00 Networking Lunch & Musical Guests 14:00 Russia’s Foreign Policy and Russia–Armenia Dynamics Diplomatic relations between Yerevan and Moscow have intensified since mid-2024, while the economic relation remains strong. The need for a reset is now discussed between the two. How might Armenia and Russia capitalize on this moment? What are their mutual expectations? What role will Armenia, and the South Caucasus, take in Russia’s foreign policy? How will Armenia’s foreign policy diversification affect the Armenia–Russia relationship? Evgeniya Goryushina, Researcher at the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies (CCEIS), HSE / Head of the Caucasus Studies Sector (ICCA RAS) Moderator: Leonid Nersisyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 14:45 Prospects for Iran–Armenia Relations Relations between Iran and Armenia are reaching a new level, with Iran a key partner for Armenia’s connectivity and security. Maintaining open trade with its neighbor is vital, as is Iran’s opposition to Azerbaijani plans for the so-called “Zangezur Corridor.” However, US pressure on Iran may intensify if the two sides cannot reach a new deal on nuclear restraints. In the wake of this uncertainty, how can Yerevan and Tehran continue to build upon their partnership? How does Iran view its foreign policy in the South Caucasus amid relations with regional and nonregional actors? Sergei Melkonian, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Seyed Mohammad-Kazem Sajjadpour, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Institute for Political and International Studies Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 15:30 Understanding Europe’s Outlook on the South Caucasus Trade and security tensions between Europe and the United States are heightening as European leaders look to develop their strategic autonomy. The European Union